If your furnace isn’t turning on, don’t worry! We’ve got some simple troubleshooting steps you can try. With winter here, your furnace is ready to keep you warm and cozy this season and beyond. As a homeowner, you know how disappointing it can be to look forward to a snug home only to discover that your furnace isn’t working.
Before you start to panic and reach out to your Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air professionals, remember that several common issues might be causing your heating system to act up. So, let’s take a breath! Here’s a quick and easy troubleshooting list to help you with some basic furnace checks so you can identify the problem and get it sorted.
One: Check the Power Source If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
The first step in troubleshooting a problem is to check the power source. After all, “With great power, comes great responsibility,” or so they say!
But all jokes aside, there are two main power sources to look at, depending on your furnace type: the circuit breaker or the gas or oil supply. Happy troubleshooting!
Think About the Circuit Breaker: If your furnace runs on electricity, it’s a good idea to check the circuit breaker. Sometimes, the circuit breaker for your furnace might trip and cut off power to your heating system. So, take a peek at your electrical panel and look for any switches that are in the “off” position or somewhere between “on” and “off.” You’d be surprised how often a breaker switch can look like it’s on but is actually in that tricky middle position, making it seem like it’s working when it’s not!
To fix this, try resetting any tripped breaker switches by flipping them all the way to “off” and then back to “on.” If the breaker trips again, there might be an underlying electrical issue that needs a professional’s help. Just a heads-up: it’s normal for circuit breakers to wear out over time, so if this keeps happening, it might be a good idea to chat with a pro about whether circuit breaker repair or replacement is the right move for you!
Think About the Fuel Supply: If you have a fuel-powered furnace, remember that it needs a steady fuel supply to work properly. Any hiccups, like a closed valve or an empty oil tank, can stop your furnace from turning on. Feel free to check if the gas valve is in the right position, but if you think there’s an issue with the gas pressure, it’s best to leave that to the professionals.
Two: Check the Thermostat If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
Next up, let’s check the thermostat! It’s like the command center for your HVAC system. If your furnace isn’t turning on, the fix could be as simple as adjusting the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is higher than the current room temperature. This will give your heating system the chance to warm things up to your desired level!
Sometimes, your thermostat might just be acting up—it happens! Start by checking the batteries and replacing them if your model uses them. If your thermostat is still being stubborn, it might be time to call in an HVAC technician for a proper check-up.
Three: Check the Air Filters If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
How’s your HVAC system doing? Have you taken a look at the air filters lately? Though it might seem like a small thing, a clogged filter can really mess with your furnace’s performance. When the filter gets dirty and full of dust and other stuff, it can block airflow, which might cause your furnace to overheat and shut down for safety.
If your filter is dirty, just swap it out for a new one! It’s a good idea to change the air filters regularly—aim for every 1-3 months. It’ll help your HVAC system run more efficiently and last longer!
Four: Check if the Ducts are Blocked If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
Did you know that blocked ducts can mess with your furnace’s performance? When airflow gets blocked, it sends a signal to your furnace that something’s not right, causing it to shut down. For instance, if something falls into the ductwork, it might trigger some furnaces to go into safety mode and not turn on at all.
Some furnaces are designed with this response as a safety feature to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. While specific conditions need to be met for this to happen, your safety is our top priority! So, it’s always a good idea to address any obstructions as soon as possible.
Five: Check the Drain Pan If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
Modern furnaces come with a few extra safety features to keep you secure. For example, if the drain pan gathers too much moisture, it can activate a safety switch that stops the furnace from running. If you’re still having trouble, it’s a good idea to check the drain pan (usually located beneath the furnace) and gently empty it if it’s full of water.
On the same note, if you have noticed that the drain pan fills up frequently, making this a repeated issue, this could indicate a problem with your HVAC system’s drainage…in which case, it’s time to give us a call.
Next Steps:
If that doesn’t solve your furnace issues, remember that your Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air team has your back! We’re here to help with our furnace repair and maintenance expertise so we can have your furnace up and running in no time! Your comfort and safety are our top priorities! If you ever need a helping hand, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here for you!
You can contact Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air today at (614) 490-7520 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
